Introduction

Florida has a diversity of habitats that support a rich flora and fauna. Juan Ponce de Leon, who explored Florida in 1513 in search of the mythical “Fountain of Youth,” recognized Florida for its beauty. Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for Spain and named this new land “Pascua de Florida,” which translates as “feast of flowers.” Florida was sold to the United States in 1819 and became the 27th state of the United States on March 3, 1845.

Today, Florida is known as the Sunshine State. The state capitol resides in Tallahassee. In honor of Florida's natural resources, state legislators have identified numerous state symbols.

females give birth to 1–5 kittens that stay with the mother for 1–2 years

listed as state and federally endangered

they can run a few hundred yards at their max speed, 35 mph

they can travel 15–20 miles in a day

lifespan 12–15 years in the wild

In 1982, students throughout Florida chose the Florida panther over the manatee, alligator, and Florida Key deer to be designated as the Florida state animal. With numbers estimated at only 120 to 230 animals, the panther is not only one of Florida's most endangered species, but one of the most endangered mammals in the world. A relative of the western cougar, the Florida panther needs vast tracks of wild lands to procure food and mates without conflicting with neighboring panthers. Captive breeding programs helped establish a stable population of panthers and increased genetic diversity of the population. Unfortunately, Florida's rapidly expanding population is continually pushing development farther into panther territory. Despite increased awareness and concern, continued loss of habitat paints a bleak future for the Florida panther.

Florida State Marine Mammal

West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris)

Size: up to 13 feet long and 3,000 pounds

Range: southeastern United States and Bahamas but can travel to Rhode Island and Texas with warm waters

Habitat: rivers, canals, estuaries, saltwater bays

Figure 2.

Florida manatee.

Credit:

UF/IFAS

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

eats 60–100 pounds of aquatic vegetation each day

sleeps on the bottom; surfaces every 5–20 minutes to breathe

related to elephants, hyraxes, and aardvarks

ribs and long bones lack marrow cavities; these solid bones serve the same purpose as a diver’s weights

snout is prehensile, meaning it can grab food and other objects, just like your hand

brain is smooth rather than fissured

lifespan up to 60 years

In 1975, the legislature designated the West Indian manatee the state marine mammal. Although the name has at times caused confusion, the West Indian manatee is native to Florida, as well as the West Indies (Caribbean Islands) and portions of Central and South America. The manatee is a large, slow-moving mammal that lives in Florida's coastal estuaries and rivers, where it eats massive quantities of aquatic plants. These gentle giants must surface for air approximately every five minutes, which puts them in danger of collision with motorboats. Approximately 25 percent of all recorded manatee deaths are caused by motorboats, and many more animals are injured each year. Slow speed zones have been implemented in many Florida waterways in an effort to protect manatees. Listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act since 1973, in 2006, manatees were down-listed to threatened as their populations started to recover. The manatee population in Florida is estimated between 2,500 to 3,500 animals. Management strategies that have helped them recover will remain in place to ensure their survival long-term.

Florida State Saltwater Mammal

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Size: adult 6 to 13 feet, 330 to 1400 pounds

Range: worldwide

Habitat: brackish waters, river mouths, oceans, bays, estuaries

Figure 3.

Bottlenose dolphin.

Credit:

Lee Island Visitor and Convention Bureau

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

live in family groups (2–15 individuals) known as "pods"; multiple pods form herds

reproduce one offspring every 2–3 years

interact with humans in the wild

use echolocation to find prey

lifespan 40–50 years

The 1975 Florida Legislature designated the “porpoise,” which is a term that is sometimes used to describe the bottlenose dolphin, as the official Florida saltwater mammal. Although porpoises and dolphins are related (Order Cetacea), there are no true porpoises found in Florida waters. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently observed in Florida's coastal waters and are known for their playfulness, often racing abreast or in the wake of motorboats. Typical dolphin antics include breaching and mid-air twists. Historically, sailors have considered the presence of dolphins as a sign of good luck. Pollutants, habitat destruction, biotoxins, direct harvest, viral outbreaks, and accidental injury and mortality from commercial fishing gear threaten dolphins. The stability of their population is unknown.

Florida State Saltwater Fish

Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)

Size: Atlantic variety—up to 11 feet, 25–50 pounds

Range: worldwide; Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts

Figure 4.

Sailfish.

Credit: Diane Peebles [Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

typically live about 5 years

groups of sailfish raise sails to corral schooling fish

can swim 68 mph, faster than marlin

color varies based on excitement level

The Atlantic sailfish was first described in 1792. Today, sailfish are a popular saltwater game fish in Florida's offshore waters. They are named for their large, sail-like dorsal fin that is raised when they are excited or come to the surface. Sailfish become “excited” when fighting anglers, catching prey, and competing for mates. Sailfish are brilliantly colored with dark, iridescent blue on top, silver on the belly, and purple stripes on the back. They often travel and feed in schools. Sailfish are known among anglers for their fighting ability and tendency to leap out of the water. In recent years, sailfish populations have declined across their range from overfishing and accidental harvest by commercial fishers. Anglers are encouraged to catch and release this beautiful state fish.

Florida State Freshwater Fish

Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus)

Size: maximum length 3 feet, averages 4–8 pounds

Range: Florida, introduced in other states

Habitat: prefers warm, slow-moving water

Figure 5.

Florida largemouth bass.

Credit:

USFWS

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

Florida's official largemouth bass record is 17.27 pounds

the world-record bass weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces and was caught in Montgomery Lake, Georgia, on June 2, 1932

one of the most widely distributed fish in the world

Florida designated the largemouth bass as the state freshwater fish in 1975. Florida is the only state to have two official state fish symbols (e.g., saltwater and freshwater). The largemouth bass may well be the most popular freshwater game fish in the United States. Largemouth bass are native to or stocked in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers in nearly every state. The Florida largemouth bass is a subspecies of the northern largemouth bass and is known to grow faster than northern races. Although Florida largemouth bass were originally found only in Florida, they have been stocked elsewhere in the United States (e.g., Texas and California), and across the world (e.g., South Africa, Japan, Europe, and New Zealand).

alligators wallow out deep holes in wetlands that create important habitat for other animals

In 1987, the American alligator was designated the official Florida state reptile. Alligators occur in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers throughout Florida and are characterized by their broad, rounded snouts and dark color. In contrast, Florida crocodiles occur in marine and estuarine waters of extreme south Florida and have light coloration, narrow snouts, and protruding teeth. Alligators were hunted nearly to extinction and were listed as an endangered species in 1967. With proper management and protection, alligator populations recovered and are plentiful in Florida today. Increased numbers of alligators and a growing human population in the state increases risks of alligator-human conflicts. This is particularly true for alligators that are fed because they lose their fear of humans and begin to see humans as a source of food. It is not only dangerous but illegal to feed alligators in Florida.

The horse conch, also known as the giant band shell, was designated Florida's state shell in 1967. The horse conch is native to marine waters surrounding Florida. It is the largest snail (shell) found in Florida's coastal waters and one of the largest in the world. It is often found in sea grass meadows, where it hunts other snails.

Florida State Bird

Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)

Size: 9–11 inches

Range: from southern Canada to southern Mexico, West Indies and introduced in Hawaii

Habitat: urban areas, farms, roadsides, dense thickets

Figure 8.

Northern mockingbird.

Credit:

USFWS

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

range is expanding northward

mockingbirds attack other birds during nesting season

known for singing and ability to mimic other birds

In 1927, the mockingbird was designated as the Florida state bird. The mockingbird is gray with large, white patches on its wings and tail and is noted for its singing ability. Mockingbirds may sing for hours each day and throughout the year to defend their feeding territories. In particular, mockingbirds are skilled in their ability to mimic the songs and calls of other birds. It is believed that they can mimic at least 30 species of birds as well as other sounds, such as barking dogs. The mockingbird is the state bird of four other states. Attempts have been made to change the Florida state bird to the Florida scrub jay, a charismatic, endangered species endemic to Florida, but these have been unsuccessful to date.

Florida State Insect

Zebra butterfly (Heliconius charitonius)

Size: 3–4 inches

Range: southern United States coastal plain, Central America, West Indies, South America

Habitat: hammocks, swamps, forests

Figure 9.

Zebra butterfly.

Credit:

UF/IFAS

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

sleep in groups and return to the same roost every night

older butterflies seem to have first choice at sleeping perches

at dawn, the first butterfly to awaken rouses the others by gently touching them

Florida's newest state symbol was designated in 1996, at the request of garden clubs across the state. The zebra butterfly (previously called zebra longwing) has elongated, black wings with yellow stripes and long antennae. The butterfly's distinctive pattern resembles shadows and light filtering through the forest canopy. The bold pattern is also believed to serve as warning to predators of the butterfly's nauseating taste, which comes from toxins obtained from eating plants in the passion vine family. Zebra butterflies are unusual in that they cluster at night and sleep in groups, returning repeatedly to the same roost.

Florida State Tree

Sabal palm (Sabal palmetto)

Size: leaf blades—3–4 feet; height—up to 90 feet

Range: North Carolina to Florida

Habitat: wet to dry hammocks/prairies, urban areas, coastal areas.

Figure 10.

Sabal palm.

Credit:

Megan Ellis

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

berries eaten by wildlife

Seminoles used berries in medicinal remedies

old leaf stalks on trunks (bootjacks) provide habitat for small animals

The sabal palm, also known as the cabbage palm, was designated the state tree in 1953 and occurs on the Florida state seal. Designation as the state tree followed years of debate that considered the royal palm, slash pine, and longleaf pine as other options. Oddly enough, the sabal palm is not a true tree and, as a palm, is more closely related to grasses. Early Floridians had a variety of uses for the sabal palm. The bud of the tree is edible and is known as heart of palm and swamp cabbage; the trunk and fronds were used to build shelter; and various fibrous parts were used to make cordage.

Florida State Wildflower

Coreopsis (Coreopsis species)

Size: 1–3 feet

Range: most of United States

Habitat: wet to dry soils

Figure 11.

Coreopsis.

Credit:

UF/IFAS

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

flower heads provide food source for seed-eating birds

sometimes called tickseed because disc flowers look like small bugs

In 1991, all flowers in the Coreopsis genus were designated as the Florida state wildflower. Thirteen species of Coreopsis occur in Florida, 12 of which are native, including one that is endangered (Coreopsis integrifolia). Coreopsis flowers occur in a variety of colors ranging from yellow to pink and are used extensively in roadside beautification programs.

Florida State Flower

Orange blossom (Citrus species)

Size: average tree height 12 feet

Range: mainly central and south Florida

Habitat: wild species found in hammocks

Figure 12.

Orange blossom.

Credit:

UF/IFAS

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

Florida produces the majority of oranges grown in the United States

90–95 percent of the Florida orange crop is processed for juice

orange blossoms are used in tea and bakery products

most of Florida's honey is produced from bees that gather orange blossom nectar

The orange blossom was Florida's original state flower and was designated as such in 1909. Because the orange tree is not native to Florida, Coreopsis was added as the state wildflower in 1991. Florida's citrus industry developed from 16th century Spanish introductions that grew well and became established in Florida's warm climate. Indians and pioneers transplanted citrus trees throughout the warmer parts of the state. During the 1830s, commercial citrus trees were grafted on sour orange rootstock to improve disease resistance and create a commercial market. Florida quickly became known for its oranges, and orange juice was named the state beverage of Florida in 1967. Today, the Florida citrus industry has an annual economic impact estimated at $9 billion.

Agatized coral was named the state stone of Florida in 1979. Agatized corals are the fossilized remains of coral, which, over time, become geodes lined with smooth, spherical agate. This happens as acidic groundwater dissolves the calcium carbonate skeletons of coral. Dissolved silica partially replaces the calcium carbonate and the water deposits minerals like iron and manganese, creating the cave-like appearance of the stone.

Florida State Soil

Myakka fine sand

Range: peninsular Florida

Habitat: mesic flatwoods

Figure 14.

Myakka fine sand.

Credit:

Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

formed from sandy marine deposits

does not occur in any other state; it is endemic to Florida

Myakka (pronounced My-yak-a) is a Native American word for “big waters”

In May 1989, Myakka fine sand was named the state soil of Florida. Myakka soils consist of very deep, poorly drained sandy soils. These soils are characteristic of Florida’s mesic flatwoods where you can find longleaf pine, slash pine, saw palmetto, gallberry, wax myrtle, and many other species. A suite of wildlife species depend on this ecosystem and the soil that makes it possible. Much of this habitat has been converted to commercial forest production, pasture, and citrus.

Florida State Gem

Moonstone

Figure 15.

Moonstone.

Credit:

Wouter Hagens, Wikimedia Commons

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

Fun Facts:

not found in Florida

Moonstone was chosen as Florida’s state gem to commemorate the many space expeditions launched from Kennedy Space Center in Brevard County, including humankind’s first trip to the moon! Moonstone does not occur naturally in Florida and is a form of the mineral feldspar.

Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2004. Atlas of Florida Plants. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. Available from www.plantatlas.usf.edu.

Footnotes

1.

This document is CIR1467, one of a series of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 2005. Revised December 2017. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county's UF/IFAS Extension office.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.